By Anita Dangazele
- Mobs burned more than 50 structures in Mossel Bay in late May, killing two Mozambican nationals and forcing around 400 people into emergency shelter.
- Premier Alan Winde has activated a joint operations centre with SAPS, the army and the UN ahead of further marches planned for Tuesday across the Western Cape.
The Western Cape government is mobilising police, soldiers and disaster management officials ahead of anti-immigration marches planned for Youth Day on Tuesday.
The response comes after weeks of violence that has already cost two lives.
In late May, mobs moved through KwaNonqaba and Asla Park in Mossel Bay, burning more than 50 informal structures. Two Mozambican nationals were killed. Around 400 foreign nationals were left without shelter and moved into temporary municipal facilities. Five people were arrested in connection with public violence and property damage.
Violence also spread through the Overstrand region, with protests flaring in Gansbaai, Kleinmond and Hermanus. Hundreds of people fled their homes. Some took refuge in community halls and tourism centres. Others hid in nearby mountains and dunes. Smaller disruptions hit the Cape Agulhas area as well.
Premier Alan Winde confirmed on Monday that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had convened a Joint Operations Centre bringing together the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Home Affairs, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and several municipalities.
Authorities are focusing on visible policing in identified hotspots, intelligence monitoring, social media surveillance and rapid mediation. Winde said the right to protest must be exercised within the law.
“While we respect every resident’s right to protest, this must be done within the confines of the law. We urge residents to stand against violence. Violence in any context is completely unacceptable,” he said.
Further marches are expected across parts of the province on Tuesday.
Pictured above: Western Cape government prepared for anti-immigration protests on Youth Day.
Image source: SAPS
